The Hard Struggle or the Easy Flow?

In the conduct of life, people tend to choose between two divergent paths. On one side lies the principle of unwavering toil; on the other, a life of ease and spontaneous flow.

Society teaches us—"There is nothing nobler than hard work." As a consequence, people rush to their workplaces each morning like busy bees, only to return in the evening. It is an endless rat race. Some are common rats, some are leader rats—some travel by car, some by bus, some on foot or running.

Those who climb to the top of this competition do gain certain conveniences, yes, but they carry with them fear, resentment, and infinite anxiety. Their daily peace lasts only a moment—an ambition is fulfilled, expenses are covered, someone loses their job—and then a new worry begins. In proportion to their possessions, they regard themselves as the wisest people on earth. And trying to appease them only brings insult. This path leads to—tension, heart disease, premature death, and pharmaceutical company promotions.

On the other side are the "mellow yellow fellows"—those who do not struggle against life, but move with its current. This way is ordinarily regarded with disdain by the hard-working. Of course, the truth is—just as some people pretend to idleness, so too among the hard-working are found remarkably generous and sincere souls.

But those of contemplative and peaceful nature believe—if the mind becomes tranquil, if the world is seen as a place of possibility and support, then an invisible gracious power or a benevolent nature stands ready to aid at the right moment. The default level of their awareness is this: to be here or to live in this moment. They have been freed from that common human discontent which Buddha called suffering. Therein lies the true magic of existence.

Whatever they do, they find joy in it. That very joy makes the work easy and unbroken. They do not hurry, do not bustle to finish quickly—because for them every moment is joyful. This inner peace makes them more creative, more productive, and healthier—sometimes those who flow in this calm, spontaneous current also reach the highest places of decision-making, even occupying the highest chair and position.

In reality, understanding or friendship between these two kinds of people is rare. Usually, only under the weight of despair and melancholy does one shift from one side to the other. Ultimately, it comes down to human choice, though this choice itself is largely shaped by the pressures of society and the force of habit.